NHL Player News

Lundkvist (concussion) won't play Saturday versus Edmonton, per Stars radio analyst Bruce LeVine.

Lundkvist was evaluated for a concussion after departing Thursday's game versus Nashville, so it's no surprise he'll miss Saturday's matchup with the Oilers. The 23-year-old blueliner has two goals and 15 points through 43 games this season. Joel Hanley will slot back into the lineup in Lundkvist's absence.

Giordano (personal) won't play Saturday against Anaheim, according to Nick Barden of The Hockey News.

Giordano is away from the team following the passing of his father, Paul, on Thursday night. The 40-year-old blueliner has seven points and 76 blocked shots in 36 games this season. Max Lajoie is projected to replace Giordano in the lineup Saturday.

Ekblad (lower body) won't play Saturday versus the Lightning, according to Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site.

Ekblad, who is considered day-to-day, will be replaced in the lineup by Josh Mahura. The 28-year-old Ekblad has three goals, 14 points, 79 shots on net, 45 blocked shots and 60 hits across 37 appearances this season.

Lajoie was recalled from AHL Toronto on Saturday.

Lajoie has two goals and 17 points in 31 AHL contests this campaign. He also has five blocked shots and three hits in four NHL outings with the Maple Leafs during the 2023-24 campaign.

Skjei recorded an assist and two PIM in Friday's 5-1 win over the Coyotes.

Skjei set up Jordan Martinook's tally 16 seconds into the game. This was Skjei's fourth assist over his last eight contests. The 29-year-old blueliner is in the midst of another steady but not stunning season. He's up to 29 points, 113 shots on net, 46 hits, 58 blocked shots, 24 PIM and an even plus-minus rating over 53 appearances.

Chatfield scored a goal in Friday's 5-1 win over the Coyotes.

Chatfield tallied at 4:50 of the first period, and his goal stood as the game-winner. The defenseman has 14 points in 48 outings this season, matching his career-high total from 78 contests last season. Chatfield has added 44 blocked shots, 34 hits, 62 shots on goal and a plus-2 rating while logging consistent third-pairing minutes in 2023-24. While he's on pace for personal bests in many areas, his offense is too limited to help in a lot of fantasy formats.

Woo was reassigned to AHL Abbotsford on Friday.

Woo has five goals and 16 points through 42 AHL contests this season. The 23-year-old has yet to make his NHL debut.

York (upper body) isn't sure if he'll be available Saturday, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports.

York left Thursday's 4-3 overtime loss to Toronto due to the injury. He has six goals, 18 points, 28 PIM, 77 shots, 46 hits and 96 blocks in 55 games this season. If York can't play Saturday, then defenseman Egor Zamula, who has been serving as a forward, might shift to the third pairing while Olle Lycksell would likely dress as part of the fourth line.

Provorov (undisclosed) will be back in action versus the Sharks on Saturday, Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch reports.

Provorov will avoid missing any time after getting hurt against the Senators on Thursday. The blueliner should continue to see significant minutes going forward, as he has logged over 22 minutes of ice time in 25 of his 52 games this season. With just eight more points, Provorov will hit the 30-point threshold for the fifth time in his eight-year NHL career.

Gudbranson suffered an undisclosed injury during Friday's practice but might still be able to play Saturday against San Jose, Blue Jackets radio host Dylan Tyrer reports.

Gudbranson has three goals, 15 points, 55 PIM, 52 hits and 114 blocks in 48 games this season. If the 32-year-old isn't available Saturday, then Andrew Peeke will likely draw into the lineup. Ivan Provorov's (undisclosed) status is also undetermined for Saturday's contest, so it's possible Columbus will need to recall a defenseman from the minors.